Have you ever noticed how often Japanese people smile? Whether it’s a cheerful greeting from a store clerk, a polite grin in a business meeting, or a friendly expression during casual encounters, smiling seems to be everywhere in Japan. As a foreigner, you might wonder: Is this constant smiling a …

Introduction: A New Musical Journey Begins On November 5th, 2024, Nao Toyama, a celebrated Japanese voice actress and singer, will release her latest single, “Toryanse,” the opening theme for the anime Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits Season 2 (known in Japanese as かくりよの宿飯 弐). Toyama’s multifaceted career has made …

Introduction: A New Frontier in International Romance In the bustling matcha cafés and sleek matchmaking offices of Japan, an unexpected trend is unfolding: a sharp rise in Korean men seeking Japanese brides. These men, often in their 30s and 40s, are crossing the Sea of Japan not just for travel, …

Miyazaki Prefecture, a tranquil region on Japan’s southern Kyushu island, is witnessing a fascinating demographic transformation. According to the latest population survey released by Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications on January 6, 2025 (based on data from January 1, 2025), the prefecture’s total population is 1,048,347—a 0.98% decrease …

Kagoshima Prefecture’s Population Hits Record Low for 11th Year, While Foreign Residents Reach All-Time High Kagoshima Prefecture, a stunning region in southern Japan, is undergoing a remarkable demographic transformation. According to the latest population dynamics report from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, released on August 6, 2025, the …

The skies between Akita, Japan, and Taiwan are set to remain busy, as charter flights linking these two vibrant regions have been extended until March 2026. Operated by Taiwan’s budget airline Tigerair Taiwan, these flights have been a resounding success since their launch in December 2023, boasting an impressive 89% …

DreamWorks Animation’s beloved animated masterpiece How to Train Your Dragon is soaring into new territory with its highly anticipated live-action adaptation. Recently, fans were treated to a thrilling preview with the release of the Japanese dubbed trailer, showcasing an impressive voice cast led by rising star Ryota Bando. This exciting …

Japan’s Population Decline Hits Record Levels: What Does It Mean for the Future? Japan’s population has reached a critical turning point. As of January 1 this year, the number of Japanese residents dropped to 120.65 million, a staggering decline of approximately 910,000 people from the previous year—the largest drop since …

Introduction: Hiroshima’s 80th Anniversary—A Day of Reflection and Resolve On August 6, 2025, the city of Hiroshima marked 80 years since the atomic bomb fell, a somber milestone known as “Hiroshima Day” or “Atomic Bomb Day.” At the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba addressed a global …

On the 6th, Seven & I Holdings, the parent company of the globally recognized 7-Eleven convenience store chain, unveiled its management strategy for the fiscal year ending February 2031. The ambitious plan includes opening approximately 1,000 new stores in Japan’s already crowded domestic convenience store market and an additional 1,300 …